typer i deffiantly get palps when i have heartburn, i have had heartburn past couple of days so i have been having some tumtums and the palps seem to of calmed down! sugar and caffine dont seem to effect me, i think its deffiantly diet and stomach related

This is a common question that I had encountered while in practice.

Stress and or anxiety plays a major role in the regulation of the nervous system. Changes in GI function as a consequence of the stress or anxiety produce what is known as functional disorders, meaning that neither disease nor anatomical abnormality is responsible, but rather function is disturbed by the presence of emotional influences.

Thus, with particular regard to the GI tract, patients forumulate a cause-and-effect process in trying to resolve the problem. They will consume a certain food or beverage and if they subsequently experience GI discomfort, will deduce that the food or beverage was a causative factor. The truth is that the GI system is extremely dynamic and under the particular influence of the nervous system, can respond differently to the same food products on any given day. It is seldom an issue of what you eat and more often the case of either how much or when you eat it.

Disturbances of the GI tract associated with stress and or anxiety can produce hyperacidity and motility dysfunction among other problems and it's not uncommon for it to last several days to several weeks or more before self-resolving. The fact that the GI tract is innervated by the vagus nerve and that inflammation in the esophageal corridor can produce vagus nerve stimulation are both examples citing the high potential for GI symptoms to cause corresponding palpitations.

If you plan on dieting, most people with GI problems don't stop to realize that the introduction of products not normally consumed can be rough on the stomach. It's important to bring about change gradually and generally you should avoid crash or fad diets. Eat smaller portions and do not eat any sooner than about 2 to 3 hours before bedtime. Do not eat or snack in bed and drink most beverages after rather than during the meal.

If the heartburn is persistent, you can try taking an over-the-counter proton pump inhibitor such as Nexium or Prilosec. These drugs must be taken in accordance with the package insert and about 30 to 40 minutes PRIOR to eating. They act by reducing the ability for the acid pumps in the lining of the stomach to produce acid, thereby relieving the potential for acid indigestion to occur. If symptoms persist, then it should be evaluated by your primary care doctor or specialist.

Best regards and Good Health